SINGAPORE -- The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) took another step towards meeting the modernization goals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by inking a purchase agreement with Bell Helicopter at the Singapore Air Show on February 6 for the acquisition of 16 Bell 412EPI medium-lift helicopters. The purchase was conducted via government-to-government contract with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC). The twin-engine helicopters ordered will arrive configured for multi-missions, including disaster relief, search-and-rescue (SAR), troop transport and utility transport.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) currently operates eight Bell 412EP units ordered in March 2014 under the First Horizon phase of the service's long-term modernization program, as well as legacy 412HP models that date back to 1994. The latest order falls under the Second Horizon procurement phase that runs from 2018 to 2022.

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